Michigan State's Keith Appling smiling again after leading Spartans to win against Wisconsin

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo hugs Keith Appling after pulling Appling for the night during their game against Wisconsin at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on Thursday, March 7. Appling's 19 points led Michigan State to a 58-43 win over the Badgers.Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

EAST LANSING -- Describing his moods during the three-game losing streak, Michigan State junior Keith Appling had a list.

"I was a little disappointed, upset, frustrated, all
the above," he said.

After and during a big-time performance in which he scored 19 points in Michigan State's 58-43 win against Wisconsin that kept the Spartans in the hunt for a share of the Big Ten title, Appling was the total opposite.

And that excited coach Tom Izzo, who had seen his point guard suffer through a rough stretch when his shot wasn't falling and late-game plays weren't going his way.

"He came out twice late and a smile on his face, and I just almost
started laughing because the poor kid, he has struggled."

Appling was 7-for-13 from the field, using his mid-range game to get himself going after the 3-point shot wasn't working. At one point, Appling had missed 17 consecutive 3-point attempts before connecting on one to finish 1-for-7 against Wisconsin.

Appling, whose made long-range shot gave Michigan State an early 20-12 lead, said he hadn't been aware he had missed 17 in a row up until that point.

"I don't pay attention to stats," he said. "I just try to focus on
wins and losses. I could care less about 0-for-17 or 17-for-17. I'm more of a
win-or-lose guy.

"I love winning. Nothing makes me happier."

Appling's 3-point shooting percentage dipped to 29 percent. But on this night, it was all smiles.

"The last thing we've got to do is get those 3s back on
track," Izzo said. He's in here working on it morning to midnight, so I can swallow all
that.

"Not many times I actually feel good for a guy. I felt
good for Keith. I was excited that I saw him smile."